Foldable serving tray stand

ABSTRACT

A serving tray stand includes two frames pivotably coupled at a pivot point located on a common axis. The frames may be substantially the same size and coupled offset from each other, or differently sized and coupled one inside the other. Also included are two cross bars, each attached to one of the frames below its pivot point. The cross bars are connected to each other by at least one restraining strap.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to folding serving tray stands,and more particularly to a serving tray stand that includes an openupper portion free of support straps, and lower cross bars connected byat least one support strap or restraining member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lightweight serving tray stands are widely used in the food serviceindustry because they are easy to use, convenient, and greatly increaseserver efficiency. Tray stands reduce the spillage dangers inherent inserving with one hand while balancing a tray with the other, allowingservers to transport several dishes to or from a table in a singleouting. Making a serving tray stand foldable adds the advantages ofspace efficiency and ease of storage and transport.

Serving tray stands constructed of a pair of pivoting frames withsupport straps located above the frames' pivot points are well known inthe prior art. Examples include Wilson, U.S. Pat. No. 1,488,425, whichprovides a folding serving stand with flexible bands connecting theupper portions of the stand; Spellman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,750, whichprovides a restaurant tray support stand with fabric bands connectingthe upper portions of the stand; and Sheffield, U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,525which provides a folding table apparatus with anchor loops connectingthe frames of the apparatus above their pivot point.

Support straps mounted to upper portion of the tray stand frames abovethe pivot points may catch on the servers' arms, and may also interferewith placement and removal of the serving tray from the tray stand. Thisis particularly problematic when wait-staff are required to deal withheavy serving trays. Instead of freely and quickly removing the servingtrays, servers must carefully reach between the bottom of the tray andthe top of the straps to lift the trays without accidentally lifting oroverturning the tray stand. Serving speed and efficiency suffer becauseservers are forced to maneuver between a solid tray bottom and supportstraps, which may entangle an arm.

Additionally, many available serving tray stands lack any protectivemeans to prevent serving trays from sliding off of a stand that isinadvertently jostled or tilted. It would be desirable to include aprovision so that a serving tray would rest steadily on the stand, evenif the stand were brushed against by accident or in the course ofservice.

Further, many commercially available serving tray stands merely providean upper surface upon which to place a tray, without providing anyadditional storage capabilities. It would be desirable to includesprovisions that permit temporary storage of another service tray, or ofa bus tub for carrying soiled dishes.

Barile, U.S. Pat. No. 2,802,578, discloses a collapsible serving standwhich provides a single, unitary shelf positioned below the pivot pointof a pair of pivoting frames. A shelf is attached on one side to atransverse rod and on the other side to a transverse roller rod. Thetransverse rod is attached to one frame member, and the roller rod isattached to the other frame member. When the stand is collapsed, theroller rod slides along a slot formed within two sides of the shelf,thus allowing the shelf to pivot about the transverse rod. Though theshelf in Barile provides additional storage, its permanent sliding andsolid parts render it vulnerable to breaking or catching. It is alsonecessarily heavier, bulkier, and more difficult to transport thanconventional serving tray stands.

Accordingly, a need exists for a foldable serving tray stand with anopen upper portion free of support straps. Desirably, such a tray standincludes protective bumpers or rings to prevent serving trays fromsliding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A foldable serving tray stand includes first and second frames, eachhaving spaced parallel legs connected by a transverse portion. Theframes are pivotably coupled at a pivot point located on a common axis.Also included are first and second cross bars attached to each framebelow the pivot point. The cross bars are connected to each other by atleast one restraining member configured to prevent pivoting movement ofthe frames away from each other by greater than a predetermined amount.

In a preferred embodiment, the frames are U-shaped, with an integrallyformed transverse portion. The frames may be substantially the same sizeand pivotally coupled in an offset manner from each other.Alternatively, the frames may be differently sized and coupled oneinside the other. Preferably, the U-shaped frames are made of metal,such as heavy gauge tubular steel. Each of the legs of the U-shapedframes may be capped with a plastic foot to provide secure contact withthe floor upon which the tray stand rests. Each of the integral uppertransverse portions of the U-shaped frames may include at least onebumper or ring, preferably made of a non-slip material, such as rubber.

The cross bars may be connected to each other by at least onerestraining member or strap. Preferably, two space apart restrainingmembers are included. The straps may be made of a webbed material orfabric, such as nylon strap or other synthetic fabric. Most preferably,the crossbars and the strap(s) may be configured to hold service items,such as bus tubs and additional serving trays.

In an alternate embodiment, the first and second frames each havetransverse beams connecting each leg. The frames may be substantiallythe same size and coupled in an offset manner from each other, or may bedifferently sized and coupled one inside the other. Preferably, theframes are made of wood, such as finished hardwood. Each of thetransverse beams may include at least one non-slip ring or bumper. Mostpreferably, each transverse beam includes two non-slip rings spaced fromone another.

With respect to the bumpers or rings attached to the transverse portionsor beams 20, 22, 120, 122, either embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 or 2 mayutilize the rubber rings or the raised bumpers. Such bumpers may befastened by any suitable method as described herein, including screws,bolts, rivets, adhesive, and the like. It is not material whether aconstruction made of wood, plastic or metal utilizes the rings or thebumpers.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention,together with the organization and manner of use thereof, will becomeapparent from the following description of the invention when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like referencenumerals designate like elements throughout the several views.

While the present invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way ofexample in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. Itshould be understood that the drawings and detailed descriptions thereofare not intended to limit the invention to the particular formdisclosed, but rather, the invention is intended to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable serving tray stand inaccordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention,depicting the tray stand in an open state; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the foldableserving tray stand of the present invention, depicting the tray stand inan open state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a foldable serving tray stand 10 asdepicted in FIG. 1. The tray stand 10 generally comprises a firstU-shaped frame 12, pivotably coupled to a second U-shaped frame 14. Bothframes 12, 14 include spaced pairs of parallel legs 16, 18 andtransverse portions 20, 22. The transverse portions 20, 22 may beintegrally formed with the legs or may be separate therefrom. The frames12, 14 may be generally tubular in shape, and made of metal or plastic.Preferably, the frames 12, 14 are made of heavy gauge tubular steel.Each of the legs 16,18 may be capped with a foot 24. Preferably, thefoot 24 is a rounded, ball or disk-type plastic foot, which may beinserted securely into the legs 16, 18. Such a foot 24 is advantageousbecause it prevents objects from catching on an exposed foot edge, asmay happen with other, outside-fitting feet. Rounded feet 24 also aremore wear-resistant, provide exceptional stability, and protect floorsbetter than other types of feet.

The first and second frames 12, 14 are pivotably coupled to each otherat first and second pivot points 26, 28 located on a common axis,labeled as “X.” At the pivot points 26, 28, the tubular material of thelegs 16, 18 of the first and second frames 12, 14 may be indented, tobetter keep the legs in alignment with respect to each other and preventlateral movement. The frames 12, 14 are coupled at the pivot points 26,28 with connectors, such as screws, bolts, rivets, pins 30, and thelike. The tray stand 10 depicted in FIG. 1 is shown in its open state.The frames 12, 14 may be folded together about their pivot points 26, 28to close the tray stand 10 to allow for easier transport or storage.

The frames 12, 14 may be substantially the same size and coupled to eachother in an offset manner, as seen in FIG. 1. Alternately, they may bedifferently sized and coupled one inside the other such that one frame“straddles” the other frame. In such an alternate embodiment, theoutside edges of the legs of one frame contact the inside edges of thelegs of the other frame at the pivot point. However, tray standscomposed of differently-sized frames are necessarily more technicallydemanding and expensive to manufacture, requiring production andstocking of two separate frames. In contrast, tray stands constructedwith a pair of same-sized frames are simpler and less expensive tomanufacture, requiring production and stocking of only one frame typeand size.

First and second tubular cross bars 32, 34 are attached to the legs 16,18 of the first and second frames 12, 14 respectively, below the pivotpoints 26, 28. The cross bars 32, 34 are attached to the legs 16, 18with connectors such as screws, bolts, rivets, pins 36, or any suitableconnector. In the specific embodiment of FIG. 1, the cross bars 32, 34are coupled to each other by two support straps 38, 40. At their ends,the support straps 38, 40 are partially wrapped around the cross bars32, 34 and fastened with adhesives or connectors, such as screws, bolts,pins, or staples. Further, any suitable connection method may be used,such as welding in place, and the like. Although the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1 discloses two support straps 38, 40, the servingtray stand 10 of the present invention also may be constructed with onlyone strap, or with more than two straps (not shown). Preferably, thesupport straps are made of webbed material (webbing), fabric, nylon orother synthetic fabric, and the like, which are sturdy and easilywashed. Alternately, a suitable chain may be used.

The integral upper transverse portions 20, 22 of the frames 12, 14preferably bear two protective bumpers 42, 44 and 46, 48 respectively,spaced from one another. Again, although the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 discloses two bumpers 42, 44 and 46, 48 located on each of thetransverse portions 20, 22 of the frames 12, 14, the serving tray stand10 of the present invention also may be constructed with only one bumperon each transverse portion, or with more than two bumpers (not shown).Preferably, the bumpers are made of rubber, or another suitable non-slipmaterial. The bumpers 42, 44 and 46, 48 may be attached to thetransverse portions 20, 22 of the frames 12, 14 with chemical adhesiveor connectors, such as screws, bolts, pins, or any suitable connector.In the preferred embodiment, the bumpers 42, 44 and 46, 48 are small,raised, and generally annular in shape, but any shape or size of bumpermay be used.

Referring to FIG. 1, operation of the present invention now will bedescribed. First, a server must ensure the tray stand 10 has beenunfolded into its open state, as shown in FIG. 1. The server may thenrest a serving tray (not shown) on the transverse portions 20, 22 of theframes 12, 14. The bumper pairs 42, 44 and 46, 48 prevent the tray fromsliding off the stand 10 should the tray or stand be accidentallyjostled or tilted. The retaining members or support straps 38, 40fastened to the cross bars 32, 34, prevent the legs 16, 18 of the frames12, 14 from spreading greater than an amount governed by length of thestraps. Preferably, the length of the support straps permit the frames12,14 to separate to a maximum angle of about sixty degrees. However,any suitable angle of separation may be permitted depending upon thespecific application. In addition, the cross bars 32, 34 and supportstraps 38, 40 create a temporary storage area below the pivot points 26,28 configured to hold service items, such as bus tubs or extra servingtrays (not shown).

The “openness” or non-blocked feature of the upper portion of the traystand 10 provides a significant advantage to a server attempting toremove a serving tray. Most conventional tray stands include supportstraps above their pivot points, which typically connect their uppertransverse portions to each other. Servers using such tray stands mustcarefully reach between the service tray bottom and top of the straps tolift trays, taking precautions not to entangling an arm and accidentallylift or overturn the tray stand. The open tray stand 10 of the presentinvention allows the server to freely and quickly remove serving trayswithout the nuisance of straps at that location, thus increasing servingspeed and efficiency of the wait-staff.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 2.The tray stand 110 generally comprises a first frame 112, pivotablycoupled to a second frame 114. Both frames 112, 114 may include spacedpairs of substantially parallelepiped-shaped parallel legs 116, 118 andoblate cylindrical upper transverse beams 120, 122. The frames may bemade of wood, preferably, finished hardwood. Of course, any suitablematerial may be used.

The first and second frames 112, 114 are pivotably coupled to each otherat first and second pivot points 126, 128 located on a common axis,labeled as “X.” The frames 112, 114 are coupled at the pivot points 126,128 with connectors, such as screws, bolts, or pins 130. The tray stand110 depicted in FIG. 2 is shown in its open state. The frames 112, 114may be folded together about their pivot points 126, 128, closing thetray stand 110 to allow for easier transport or storage. The frames 112,114 may be substantially the same size and coupled in an offset mannerfrom each other, or may be differently sized and coupled one inside theother, as shown in FIG. 2.

First and second rectangular parallelepiped cross bars 132, 134 areattached to the legs 116, 118 of the first and second frames 112, 114respectively, below the pivot points 126, 128. The cross-sectional shapeof the components may be round, rectangular, or any other suitableshape. The cross bars 132, 134 are attached to the legs 116, 118 with asuitable chemical adhesive or a suitable connectors such as screws,bolts, pins, rivets, and the like. The cross bars 132, 134 are connectedto each other by two support straps or restraining members 138, 140. Attheir ends, the support straps 138, 140 may be partially wrapped aroundthe cross bars 132, 134, and fastened with adhesives or connectors suchas screws, bolts, pins, or staples. Although the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 2 discloses two support straps 138, 140, the serving tray stand110 of the present invention also may be constructed with only onestrap, or with more than two straps (not shown). Preferably, the supportstraps are made of webbed material (webbing), which is both sturdy andeasily washed. Any suitable material may be used, such as fabric, nylonor other synthetic fabric, metal or plastic chain, and the like.

The upper transverse beams 120, 122 of the frames 112, 114 preferablybear two close-fitting, protective rings 142, 144 and 146, 148respectively, spaced from one another. Again, though the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2 discloses two rings 142, 144 and 146, 148 locatedon each of the upper transverse beams 120, 122 of the frames 112, 114,the serving tray stand 110 of the present invention also may beconstructed with only one ring (or bumper) on each upper transversebeam, or with more than two rings (not shown). Preferably, the rings aremade of a non-slip material. In the preferred embodiment, the rings 142,144 and 146, 148 are thin, raised toroids, but any shape or size of ringmay be used.

Referring to FIG. 2, the operation of the present invention now will bedescribed. First, a server must ensure the tray stand 110 has beenunfolded into its open state, as shown in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 2. A server may then rest a serving tray on the upper transversebeams 120, 122 of the frames 112, 114. The ring pairs 142, 144 and 146,148 prevent the serving tray from sliding off the stand 110, should thestand be accidentally jostled or tilted. The support straps 138, 140,fastened to the cross bars 132, 134, prevent the legs 116, 118 of theframes 112, 114 from spreading too far apart, as described with respectto FIG. 1. In addition, the cross bars 132, 134 and support straps 138,140 create a temporary storage area below the pivot points 126, 128configured to hold service items, such as bus tubs or extra servingtrays.

The openness of the upper portion of the tray stand 110 provides asignificant advantage to a server attempting to remove a serving tray,as described above with respect to the specific embodiment of FIG. 1.

Note that in the specific illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1-2, the legsare shown as being parallel to each other. In an alternate embodiment,however, the legs need not be parallel to each other, and may divergeaway from each from the transverse portion toward the end of the leg. Insuch an embodiment, the “footprint” of the tray stand as it contacts thefloor is larger than the “footprint” of top of the tray stand availablesupporting the serving tray.

While the invention has been described in connection with certainembodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limitthe invention to these particular embodiments. To the contrary, it isintended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalentsfalling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A serving tray stand, comprising: first and second U-shaped frames,each frame having first and second spaced parallel legs connected by atransverse portion; the frames pivotably coupled at a pivot pointlocated on a common axis directed through each leg; a first cross barattached to the legs of the first U-shaped frame below the pivot point;a second cross bar attached to the legs of the second U-shaped framebelow the pivot point; and at least one restraining member coupledbetween the first and second cross bars configured to prevent pivotingmovement of the frames away from each other by greater than apredetermined amount.
 2. The serving tray stand of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second U-shaped frames are substantially the same size, andare coupled to each another at the pivot point in an offset manner. 3.The serving tray stand of claim 1, wherein a distance between theparallel legs of the first and second U-shaped frames is not equal, suchthat one of the first and second frames is pivotably coupled at alocation inside the other of the first and second frames.
 4. The servingtray stand of claim 1, wherein the first and second U-shaped frames aremade of material selected from the group consisting of metal, wood, andplastic.
 5. The serving tray stand of claim 1, wherein each of the legsincludes a foot member.
 6. The serving tray stand of claim 1, whereinthe transverse portions of the first and second U-shaped frames includeat least one bumper or ring configured to provide a frictional surface7. The serving tray stand of claim 6, wherein the at least one bumper orring is made of rubber.
 8. The serving tray stand of claim 1, whereinthe transverse portions of the first and second U-shaped frames includeat least two bumpers or rings spaced from each another.
 9. The servingtray stand of claim 1, wherein the at least one restraining member is astrap connecting the cross bars.
 10. The serving tray stand of claim 1,wherein the at least one restraining member is made of material selectedfrom the group consisting of webbed material, fabric strap, and metal orplastic chain.
 11. The serving tray stand of claim 1, wherein the crossbars and the at least one restraining member are configured to holdservice items.
 12. The serving tray stand of claim 11, wherein theservice items include bus tubs and/or serving trays.
 13. The servingtray stand of claim 1, wherein the legs are integrally formed with thetransverse portion.
 14. The serving tray stand of claim 1, wherein thelegs are connected to the upper transverse portion by a chemicaladhesive or mechanical fastener.
 15. A serving tray stand, comprising:first and second U-shaped frames, each frame having first and secondlegs connected by an integrally formed transverse portion; the framespivotably coupled at a pivot point located on a common axis directedthrough each leg; a first cross bar attached to the legs of the firstU-shaped frame below the pivot point; a second cross bar attached to thelegs of the second U-shaped frame below the pivot point; and wherein thecross bars are connected to each other by at least one restrainingmember configured to prevent pivoting movement of the frames away fromeach other by greater than a predetermined amount.
 16. The serving traystand of claim 15, wherein the legs are not parallel and diverge awayfrom each other.
 17. The serving tray stand of claim 15, wherein the atleast one restraining member is a strap connecting the cross bars. 18.The serving tray stand of claim 15, wherein the at least one restrainingmember is made of material selected from the group consisting of webbedmaterial, fabric strap, and metal or plastic chain.
 19. The serving traystand of claim 1, wherein the cross bars and the at least onerestraining member are configured to hold service items.